Supporting the Environmental Movement in Israel

Israel’s natural gas infrastructure is impressive, but we must aim for a clean energy future!

June 28, 2022 No Comments

On Sunday, June 12, I toured the Israel Natural Gas Lines Ltd. (Natgaz) power station outside of Ashkelon with the Committee on Citizen Affairs. Natgaz is a public company responsible for establishing and maintaining the national distribution system of natural gas – from the relatively new gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea to customers in Israel and abroad. As the Subcommittee learned at the plant, natural gas is improving the Israeli economy, strengthening Israeli energy independence, and nourishing regional peace through natural gas sales to nearby countries such as Egypt and Jordan. I was impressed by the company’s professional corporate culture, serious and open management, and how it allows Israel to move forward from coal-based electricity production. However, it was impossible to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling: increasing infrastructure for the huge amount of natural gas found in the territorial waters of Israel may create complacency, detracting from the urgent need to promote and develop renewable energy options. Even if we take advantage of this resource, we must not become addicted to it. While natural gas emits about 50% less carbon dioxide than coal and that its gas emissions are infinitely less harmful to human health, during its production, natural gas produces methane – whose carbon footprint is 80 times that of CO2 over twenty years. We must ensure that use of natural gas is only a temporary stage until the full transition to a clean, carbon-zero energy country. Renewable energies from the sun, wind and hydrogen must be the long-term goal. Read more here.

Alon Tal Zoom Event: New Year’s Resolutions for the Upcoming Knesset Year

May 13, 2022 No Comments

Join us on Sunday, September 18 at 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT / 8 p.m. Israel: “New Year’s Resolutions for the Upcoming Israeli Knesset Year” Get more information, additional meeting topics, schedules and RSVP here: https://aytzim.org/rsvp Please note: RSVPs accepted until two hours before the session start; links will be sent about an hour before the session start (please check your spam folders)

Zoom Event: From Albert Rosenthal to MK Prof. Alon Tal: What are the Needs of Olim in the 22nd Century?

May 13, 2022 No Comments

Join us on Sunday, August 21 at 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT / 8 p.m. Israel: “What are the Needs of Olim in the 22nd Century?” Get more information, additional meeting topics, schedules and RSVP here: https://aytzim.org/rsvp Please note: RSVPs accepted until two hours before the session start; links will be sent about an hour before the session start (please check your spam folders)

Can the Climate Crisis Bring Israeli and Diaspora Jews Together?

August 17, 2021 1 Comment

by Dr. Dov Maimon and Ambassador Gideon Behar ~The challenge of climate change may constitute a unique opportunity for joint action, especially among young Jews in Israel and the Diaspora, that would not only benefit the entire world, but also help create a renewed sense of mission for the Jewish people. Jews from across the globe could be mobilized for a task that transcends narrow Jewish interests: that of building an ecologically and socially responsible world, or in traditional Jewish terms: Tikkun Olam. Unlike the issue of human rights that galvanized young people a generation ago but also led to many disagreements, the climate crisis sparks no inherent tension between Diaspora and Israeli Jews. It is a global phenomenon, everyone is “in the same boat” facing dangers that are already making themselves felt. Beyond that, Israel has a major competitive advantage in conceiving, designing, and advancing eco-friendly technologies, as well as unique technological capabilities for mitigating the dire effects of climate change and other environmental threats. For example, Israel is a world leader in the development of cutting-edge methods to combat desertification – one of the greatest threats facing mankind. About 75 percent of the land area in more than 100 countries suffers from desertification processes, and it is estimated that about 50 million people may be displaced from their homes by 2030 due to this environmental challenge. For Israel, the growing global mobilization around environmental issues is, therefore, a unique opportunity to strengthen ties with Diaspora communities. Jewish youth around the world and in Israel share an increasing concern about the severe perils of climate change and seek significant ways to mitigate them. The time has come to launch a global Jewish call for action in response to this pressing challenge. Repairing and improving the complicated relationship between Israel and the Diaspora requires a new approach. Collaboration to achieve unifying goals, such as addressing climate change, makes good sense. This new call to action should meet two criteria that are not tactical/utilitarian but rather ideological and spiritual in nature: the new mission proposed for the Jewish people will have to be consistent with moral messages embedded in Jewish tradition, and it will have to resonate with an existential urgency for a large share of young people in the West. From our experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the past year, which included organizing joint events for Israeli and Diaspora activists through Israeli missions abroad, we see that this direction is bearing real fruits. The enthusiasm evident in these meetings attests to a new positive energy that should be harnessed to strengthen ties within the Jewish people for the benefit of all mankind. We saw in the participants a great passion for the cause and a desire to continue to developing dialogue toward joint action. It is without a doubt a bridge, a means to bring Jewish hearts together with a sense of shared purpose and a desire to unite to make a better world and ensure a viable future for the next generations. Dr. Dov Maimon, Senior Fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), coordinates JPPI’s activity in the sphere of climate change. An expert on Jewish thought and an agricultural engineer by training, he teaches in the Social Leadership MBA program at Ben-Gurion University. Ambassador Gideon Behar is the Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

My three articles about restoring the ancient New Year for Animals

July 21, 2021 No Comments

Shalom My three articles about restoring the ancient New Year for Animals are: Restoring and Transforming an Ancient Jewish Holiday Related to Animals Ten Reasons for Restoring and Transforming the Ancient New Year for Animals An Often Overlooked Mitzvah: Tsa’ar Ba’alei Chaim Restoring and Transforming an Ancient Jewish Holiday Related to Animals The current widespread mistreatment of animals on factory farms is very inconsistent with Judaism’s beautiful teachings about compassion to animals. One way for Jews to respond to these inconsistencies is to restore and transform the ancient, and largely forgotten, Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana L’Ma’aser B’heima (New Year’s Day for Tithing Animals) into a day devoted to considering how to increase awareness of Judaism’s compassionate teachings about animals and how far current realities for animals are from these teachings. The holiday occurs on the first day of the month of Elul and was initially devoted to counting domesticated animals intended for sacrificial offerings (Mishna, Seder Moed, Tractate Rosh Hashana 1:1). There is a precedent for such a restoration and transformation. Rosh Hashanah L’ilanot (New Year for Trees), a day initially intended for tithing fruit trees for Temple offerings, was reclaimed in the 16th century by mystics as a day (Tu Bishvat) for healing the natural world. It is important that Rosh Hashanah La’B’heimot (New Year for Animals) become a day devoted to providing a tikkun (healing) for the horrible ways that animals are treated today on factory farms and in other settings. A number of Jewish organizations are leading a campaign to make this renewed holiday an important part of Jewish life today. Currently, with regard to animals, Jewish religious services, Torah readings, and education are primarily focused on the biblical sacrifices, consideration of what animals are kosher for eating, and laws about animal slaughter. It is essential that this emphasis on animals that are to be killed be balanced with a greater emphasis on Judaism’s more compassionate teachings. These include: “God’s compassion is over all His works [including animals]” (Psalms 145:9); “the righteous person considers the lives of his or her animals” (Proverbs 12:10); the great Jewish leaders Moses and King David were deemed suitable to be leaders because of their compassionate care of sheep when they were shepherds; farmers are not to yoke a strong and a weak animal together nor to muzzle an animal while the animal is threshing in the field; the Ten Commandments indicates that animals, as well as people, are to rest on the Sabbath day; and much more, summarized in the Torah mandate that Jews are to avoid tsa’ar ba’alei chaim, causing any unnecessary “sorrow to animals.” Despite these and many additional teachings, most Jews are ignoring the current widespread abuses of animals. For example, egg-laying hens are kept in cages so small that they can’t raise even one wing, and they are debeaked without the use of anesthetics to prevent them from harming other birds by pecking them due to their natural instincts being thwarted. About 250 million male chicks are killed annually shortly after birth at egg-laying hatcheries because they can’t lay eggs and haven’t been genetically programmed to have much flesh. Dairy cows are artificially inseminated annually on what the industry calls “rape racks,” so that they will be able to continually produce milk, and then their babies are taken away almost immediately after birth, often to be raised for veal, under very cruel conditions. Renewing and transforming the ancient holiday is especially important today, because a shift away from animal-based diets, in addition to lessening the mistreatment of animals, would reduce the number of diet-related diseases that is afflicting the Jewish and other communities, and would also reduce environmental and climate change threats to humanity that are greatly increased by the massive exploitation of animals for food. It would also encourage Jews to consider plant-based diets that are more consistent with Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources, help hungry people, and pursue peace and justice. Transforming the holiday would also: show that Judaism is applying its eternal teachings to today’s important issues; improve the image of Judaism in the eyes of people concerned about animals, vegetarianism and veganism, the environment, and related issues, by reinforcing a compassionate side of Judaism; bring back some young, idealistic Jews who are currently alienated to some extent from Judaism, especially those who are concerned about animal welfare, and strengthen the commitment of vegetarian and vegan Jews who are already involved in Jewish life, but feeling somewhat outside the Jewish mainstream as they are often among a very small minority in their congregations, by reclaiming a holiday that they can more closely relate to and find relevant, meaningful, and appealing; challenge Jews to creatively make the holiday meaningful, thereby helping to revitalize Judaism. The ancient holiday occurs on the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul, an appropriate time for this renewed holiday because this date is the beginning of a month-long period of introspection during which Jews are to examine their deeds before the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Starting on that date and for the entire month of Elul (except on Shabbat), the shofar (ram’s horn) is blown in synagogues during morning services to awaken people to their responsibilities, making it an appropriate time to consider how we can improve conditions for animals. It is significant that Judaism considers that for hiddur mitzvah (to enhance mitzvot (commandments)), the shofar and other ritual objects should ideally come from animals that have been raised without cruelty and have died natural deaths. Of course restoring and transforming an ancient holiday cannot be done all at once. Just like Tu B’Shvat, it would have to capture the imagination of the Jewish people and gradually evolve. Some initial steps might include: · Setting up a website which would include material about and links to Jewish teachings

My interview of Noam Bedein, founder in 2015 and director of the Dead Sea Revival Project

July 5, 2021 No Comments

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XnE9I_37Z7K8XDQwUYQjn7QkjtP_h1cO/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Alon Tal Joins Knesset! Aytzim Co-founder Brings Green Agenda to Israeli Government

June 17, 2021 No Comments

JERUSALEM (June 16) — This morning Aytzim co-founder Dr. Alon Tal joined the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, becoming only the second Knesset member with roots in Israel’s Green Party to be appointed to the legislative body (following Yael Cohen Paran). Tal, who serves on Aytzim’s board of directors, led the founding of Aytzim in 2001 along with Rabbi Michael Cohen, Dr. Eilon Schwartz and about 30 other volunteers. For almost two decades, Tal has served as one of Aytzim’s Green Zionist Alliance representatives on the board of directors of Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael / Jewish National Fund in Israel (KKL-JNF), where he has been a KKL-JNF deputy chair. Widely considered Israel’s leading environmentalist, Tal has a long record of environmental activism and education in Israel. Please join us in wishing Tal mazel tov — we look forward to great green change ahead!

Article about me and my recently published book, VEGAN REVOLUTION: SAVING OUR WORLD, REVITALIZING JUDAISM, published in the magazine of the Israeli retirement village where I now live

December 23, 2020 No Comments

The Vegan Revolution Our very own resident, Richard Schwartz, has recently published another book called “Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism.” For Richard, the book is much more than just a book. It is part of a cause, a passion, a major effort to increase our awareness of the social, environmental, and religious benefits of veganism. Richard’s fervent passion began way back in the mid-70s when he was teaching a course in the City University of New York that he initiated and developed called “Math and the Environment.” A few years later, he became a vegetarian. The shift to veganism was a slow process that took years to be fully accomplished. He realized the extent of the poor treatment of animals, the negative health effects of eating meat, and the damage to the environment incurred in raising animals for meat. The major point of the book, says Richard, is to avert a climate catastrophe and other environmental threats to humanity as a result of meat consumption. The mistreatment of animals, the wasteful use of land, water, and energy resources all contribute to extreme changes in our climate. Cutting down rain forests to make land available for animal grazing, gas emitted by animals, and toxic fertilizers used on fields supplying food for animals all are hazards to our climate. Richard has written five books on these subjects and is hopeful that his latest one will move people to realize the serious consequences of eating meat. He would like to encourage people to start a respectful dialogue regarding these serious topics. He also sees a Jewish/religious aspect of becoming a vegan since animal-based diets and agriculture seriously violate basic religious teachings on compassion, health, justice, and environmental sustainability. Even our recent coronavirus pandemic, says Richard, is related to our animal-based diet. We need to grow many animals to satisfy our meat-based diet, often, in unsanitary conditions, where animals and humans are in close proximity. Therefore, the likelihood of future pandemics emanating from animals is high. Richard points to an impressive shift toward veganism in Israel. Young Israelis are attracted to a plant-based diet, and the food industry has learned to answer this growing need by making vegan food options readily available. Although the momentum toward veganism is growing worldwide, “Israel is the world capital,” says Richard. The awareness of the many benefits of veganism is so important that through books, articles, lectures, zoom teaching etc., Richard hopes more people will internalize the benefits of a meat-free diet, thus contributing to a safer, healthier, more peaceful world. We wish Richard much success in this important campaign, and a safer future for all of us. Interviewed by: Ruchama Seliger

Watch Richard Schwartz’s interview on how plant-based diets can help save our world…

October 18, 2020 No Comments

Richard Schwartz will be interviewed on Monday, October 19 at 8:30 PM Israeli time, 1:30 PM US eastern time, by the Israeli organization “Root and Branch.” He will be discussing his unprecedented, potentially transformative campaign, in conjunction with his recently published book, VEGAN REVOLUTION: SAVING the WORLD, REVITALIZING JUDAISM, to promote veganism and to try to shift our imperiled planet onto a sustainable path… The link to register is: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ld–trzkvE9U3pQB8jT8zFne3W7iQDSK8 Some of what will be discussed: 1. Animal-based diets and agriculture seriously violate fundamental Jewish teachings on preserving human health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, helping hungry people, and pursuing peace. 2. There is no way a climate catastrophe can be prevented without a major shift toward plant-based diets. 3. Animal-based diets are contributing to an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish and other communities. 4. Shifts to plant-based diets are essential for reducing the potential for future pandemics,

New Year for Animals Zoom Discussion in Israel

August 17, 2020 No Comments

You are cordially invited to attend a Zoom discussion of the historic, potentially transformative initiative to restore the ancient New Year for Animals and to transform it into a day devoted to increasing awareness of Jewish teachings about compassion to animals and how far current realities are from these teachings. It will also consider how animal-based diets and agriculture seriously violate basic Jewish teachings about preserving human health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, helping hungry people, and pursuing peace. The event will take place on August 20, Rosh Chodesh Elul, when the ancient holiday was observed, at 8 PM Israeli time. To join the meeting, click on the ZOOM link at the bottom of this page. The scheduled speakers are: Miriam Maisel, MD, family practitioner, with emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle; Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founder and director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development; Richard Schwartz, PhD, president emeritus of Jewish Veg and author of Judaism and Vegetarianism; Yael Shemesh, professor of bible at Bar Ilan University; Alon Tal, PhD, chairman of the Public Policy Department at Tel Aviv University and author of Pollution in the Promised Land; Isaac Thomas, director of Vegan Nation

I want to invite you to BeLoved Shabbaton! Rosh Chodesh Elul Jerusalem Hills

July 23, 2019 No Comments

B”H Shalom I want to invite you to: The FIRST EVER BELOVED SHABBATON: A Shabbaton Experience: Celebrating SHABBAT & Commitment to the World! Environmentally Friendly : Vegan : Wholesome : Halachic Fresh Farm to Table an Enchanting Shabbaton to reconnect to our Beloved. a celebration of Eco Torah natural living, wellness, & sustainability For Families, Individuals Raw food foodies and vegan connoisseurs, meditators people who love praying, learning, holistic natural living Torah! Learn Pray Sing Dance Meditate Eat Wholesome Holy Food Prepared with Love and Passion Share Connect Be Inspired Inspire Experience the highest SHABBAT BeLoved! For more info: https://rubin8.wixsite.com/belovedshabbaton https://www.facebook.com/events/439123323486473/ a project of the All Natural Eco Torah Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/238579323431012 We are committed not to use disposables, aluminium foils, plastics etc. Zero Waste @ this Shabbaton. _____________________________________________ The Torah begins with the creation of the world– with the word Breishit indicating that the entire world was created for Breishit – for the sake of the Torah, Eretz Yisrael, Klal Yisrael. When all three come together in harmony and on Shabbat– it gives the world it’s “chiyut” existence! and so this is the motivation behind BeLoved! BeLoved! Shabbat is on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul a most auspicious time. Elul is the month of energy of Love – “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me” to see the Beloved in everything. Love is what’s needed to create a world. May we tap into the great healing energy of SHABBAT ROSH CHODESH ELUL – the source of healing, blessing and love – the secret of the world’s existence. Rosh Chodesh ELUL— is the beginning of creating the new year. — it’s the “yetzirat havlad” The intentions/thoughts at this time are so powerful and influence greatly the new year. How wonderful it would be for people to come together learn, pray, sing, meditate on creating the most loving kind and good year. May we please Hashem co-create together for the world, for all of us, a year of Love of unity of goodness of geulah of Tihiyeh Shnat Nissim!

The Dead Sea Revival Project

May 7, 2019 No Comments

Vision– Rehabilitation of the historical water flow to the Dead Sea from the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. Purpose The Dead Sea Revival Project (DSRP) aims to become a leading NGO for environmental education and activism. We want to stimulate the growth of global support for “saving our water treasures” by exciting the imagination of individuals and groups. About The ‘Dead Sea Revival Project has been recognized by CNN/VR, National Geographic, the Israeli mainstream news media in Hebrew and English, the Israeli Knesset’s “Committee for Saving the Dead Sea”, the Israel Government Press Office, The Dead Sea Research Institute, regional councils around the Dead Sea and summer internship programs for international students. Read about DSRP Director Noam Bedein: www.deadseastory.com ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS 2019-2021 World-class eco-tourism “Israel’s Water Treasures” Path DSRP develops a variety of educational offerings based on exploration by foot, boat, kayak, or jeep in all or parts of the ecological system starting at the Sea of Galilee and ending at the Dead Sea. Storytelling “Illusory Beauty: The Dead Sea – Warning Signs” DSRP offers muti-media presentations to educational and cultural institutions, and to tour operators, in Israel and around the world. Presentations can include photo exhibitions, short videos, and virtual reality demonstrations. 360* Documentary “The Quest to Heal Our Water Treasures” DSRP is producing a film documenting the degradation and disappearance of the waters of the Dead Sea and its sources, using advanced time-lapse technology. Abstract Art Photography“Mosaic Salt Layer Art” DSRP is developing the production of abstract photography that nourishes the soul, stimulates positive interest in Israel among cultural and artists elites. Contact Information Israel +972-545-598-977

Eco-Zionism, Diaspora politics and Israel’s shadow government: how you can make a difference

December 14, 2018 No Comments

Speaker: David Krantz Discover the shadow government that most Israelis don’t even know about. And learn how you can have an impact in Israel beyond donations and advocacy. Herzl’s vision for Israel may be different than you think. The Limmud Festival 2018 (December 22 – 27 in Birmingham, UK) is one of the biggest celebrations of Jewish learning and culture in the world. David Krantz leads Aytzim (Jewcology, Green Zionist Alliance, EcoJews, and Rabbis and Cantors for the Earth) and serves on the boards of the American Zionist Movement and Interfaith Moral Action on Climate. He’s also a National Science Foundation fellow at Arizona State’s School of Sustainability. For more information and to register: https://events.limmud.org/limmud-festival-2018/apply/

A tree of life: mapping the growth of the Jewish-environmental movement

December 14, 2018 No Comments

Speaker: David Krantz From pickle makers to bicyclists to farmers to environmental-policy wonks to Yiddishists, learn more about the nascent Jewish-environmental movement. What initiatives are working in the field? Where are they? What are their strengths and challenges? And how can you become involved? The Limmud Festival 2018 (December 22 – 27 in Birmingham, UK) is one of the biggest celebrations of Jewish learning and culture in the world. David Krantz leads Aytzim (Jewcology, Green Zionist Alliance, EcoJews, and Rabbis and Cantors for the Earth) and serves on the boards of the American Zionist Movement and Interfaith Moral Action on Climate. He’s also a National Science Foundation fellow at Arizona State’s School of Sustainability. For more information and to register: https://events.limmud.org/limmud-festival-2018/apply/

Summary of my key activities to promote veganism during the two years I have been living in Israel

August 7, 2018 No Comments

Shalom, I would like to update you on some of the things I have been doing to promote veganism in the now two years that I have been living in Israel, with the hope that it might inspire others to take similar actions. With many of the areas of my involvement I have added a suggestion of how it could be applied more widely to break through the current widespread denial, apathy, misinformation, and resistance and help get veganism and related issues onto the Jewish agenda.I am sorry that this message is very long but I hope the examples and suggestions I include make it worth reading, at least partly. Thanks. 1. I registered for an online course, “Food and Faith,” given by Chabad, the Lubavitich chasidic organization to see how they would treat the course title connections. Unfortunately there was no attempt to consider vegetarianism, let alone veganism, and issues like health, the treatment of animals, the environment, climate change, hunger, and other veg-related issues were treated very little or not at all. As a student in the class, I submitted several messages complimenting Chabad and the instructor for giving such a course but respectfully asking why the ethical and halachic problems associated with animal-based diets were being ignored, especially when the production and consumption of meat and other animal products are contributing to an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish community, to climate change and other environmental threats to humanity, to widespread mistreatment of farmed animals, and other violations of basic Jewish teachings. There was no response from the teacher of the course and just one other student gave a weak response and then did not respond to my rejoinder. What is the lesson here and how might we build on it? Despite he fact that Chabad has many very learned Orthodox rabbis who are frequently sending out Torah messages, none was able or willing to address my respectful challenges. The bottom line is that we have a VERY strong, unassailable case, and the vast majority of rabbis, although commendably very committed to Judaism and its preservation and spread, are generally ignoring our arguments. The veg/animal rights communities can, I believe, gain much by respectfully challenging rabbis and other influential Jews to apply Jewish values to their diets as they do with other aspects of their lives and put veganism and related issues onto their Jewish agendas. There are many “Ask the Rabbi” websites online and this is just one of many ways we can be involved in raising the issues. 2. I have had a letter to the editor of the Jerusalem Post published almost once a month, which is their limit. Many have promoted veganism. Since I am limited to how often I can send letters, I have been collaborating with others to have letters sent. Just yesterday, August 7, 2018, the following letter appeared: Averting a catastrophe After reading “Europe deals with massive heatwave” and “Study sees dramatic rise in heat wave deaths by 2080” (Aug 4), I am wondering why averting a climate catastrophe isn’t a major focus today. It seems that there are almost daily reports of severe heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, floods and other effects of climate change, so it is time to end business as usual and to make major changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a vegan in Israel, the country with the highest percentage of vegans, I want to stress that shifts to vegan diets would have a major positive impact. A 2006 UN Food and Agriculture report indicated that the livestock sector emits more greenhouse gases, in CO2 equivalents, than all the means of transportation worldwide combined. More recent studies have reinforced this conclusion. Given that there are now many delicious, nutritious vegan dishes, and that the production and consumption of meat and other animal products has negative health effects and massively mistreats farm animals, I urge my fellow Israelis to shift to vegan diets. It would be very positive for your health and that of our precious planet. ———————- Since the letters section is reportedly among the most popular sections of a newspaper, I believe we could gain much with a letter-writing campaign. I plan to post many of my letters on the Internet, organised by topic, with the hope that this will be helpful to others. This could get our key arguments to many more people and reinforce them often. ———————— 3. I have arranged to have the then-Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA), (now renamed Jewish Veg)-sponsored, acclaimed, award-winning, very pro-vegan and animal rights, one-hour video, “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World,” shown at the 450 resident retirement center where i now live in Israel and also at the Israeli Jewish Veg Center. With that in mind I recently viewed the video after many years of not doing so, and I was reminded of how powerful the video is. The film premiered in Israel and later in the US in late 2007, and I think it is more relevant than ever in view of the recent widespread record heat waves and other recent climate events and the increased interest in veganism and animal rights. If you have not seen the video or only saw it many years ago I suggest you take a look at it on You Tube or by visiting www.ASacredDuty.com. While at that website you can view the wide variety of extremely favorable blurbs and reviews of the video.. JVNA gave away many thousands of the videos but there is a whole new audience for it, as evidenced by the fact that none of the 40 vegans on a recent vegan Birthright tour had heard of it. So, please consider how this powerful video can help in the promotion of veganism and please let encourage others to see it and perhaps help arrange a screening. 4. There is a monthly page in the weekly Jerusalem Post called, “3 Ladies, 3 Lottes,” in which a Jewish-related

Three Shavuot Articles Related to Vegetarianism

May 3, 2018 No Comments

~Please feel free to share these articles widely. Thanks. By Richard Schwartz. A Shavuot Message: Applying Torah Values To Our Diets Since Shavuot is z’man matan Torateinu (the commemoration of the giving of the Torah to the Israelites on Mount Sinai), many dedicated religious Jews admirably stay up the entire first night of Shavuot to hear talks about and discuss Torah teachings. Among these Torah teachings are that Jews should preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources, help hungry people, and pursue peace. By becoming vegetarians, and preferably vegans, Jews would be partaking in a diet that is most consistent with these basic teachings. Please consider: 1. While the Torah mandates that people should be very careful about preserving their health and their lives (Deuteronomy 4:9 and 4:15), numerous scientific studies have convincingly linked animal-based diets to heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer, and other chronic degenerative diseases. 2. While the Torah forbids tsa’ar ba’alei chayim, inflicting unnecessary pain on animals (based on Exodus 23:5, Deuteronomy 22:1, 10; 23:4, and other Torah verses), most farm animals — including those raised for kosher consumers — are raised on “factory farms” where they live in cramped, confined spaces, and are often drugged, mutilated, and denied fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and any enjoyment of life, before they are slaughtered and eaten. 3. While the Torah teaches that we are to be God’s partners and co-workers in preserving the environment (Genesis 2:15, for example), modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes substantially to climate change, soil erosion, air and water pollution, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, and other environmental damage. This is an especially important consideration today when some climate experts are arguing that we my soon reach a tipping point when climate change will spin out of control with disastrous consequences if major changes are not soon made. 4 While the Torah mandates bal tashchit, that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value (Deuteronomy 20:19. 20), and that we are not to use more than is needed to accomplish a purpose, animal agriculture involves the wasteful use of grain, land, water, energy, and other resources. 5. While the Torah stresses that we are to assist the poor and share our bread with hungry people (Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 24: 17-22), over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, while almost a billion of the world’s people are chronically malnourished and an estimated 20 million people worldwide die because of hunger and its effects each year. 6. While Judaism teaches that we must seek and pursue peace (Psalms 34:14) and that violence results from unjust conditions (Pirke Avot 5:8), animal-centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that eventually lead to instability and war. One could say “dayenu” (it would be enough) after any of the arguments above, because each one constitutes by itself a serious conflict between Jewish values and current practice that should impel Jews to seriously consider a plant-based diet. Combined, they make an urgently compelling case for the Jewish community to address these issues. That Jews should be vegetarians is reinforced by other Torah teachings. The first chapter of the Torah has God’s original, strictly vegetarian, dietary regimen: “And God said: ‘Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed – to you it shall be for food’” (Genesis 1:29). A comparison of humans with carnivorous animals reinforces the Torah implication that we were designed to eat plant foods. Humans do not, for example, have the claws and sharp, hard, dagger-like teeth of carnivorous animals, and our intestinal system is four times longer and our stomach acids twenty times weaker than is the case for carnivorous animals. While God gave permission for humans to eat meat after the flood during the life of Noah (Genesis 9:3), biblical commentators believe that this was a concession. According to Isaac Arama, God provided a second vegetarian attempt in the form of manna while the Israelites were in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. When flesh was reluctantly provided in the form of quails in response to complaints, a great plague broke out and many Israelites died at a place named, “the Graves of Lust.” While the Torah speaks positively about plant foods, including the “seven species” mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8, flesh foods are associated negatively with lust, and even called basar ta’avah, the meat of lust. According to Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook, Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel and others, the Messianic Period will be vegetarian, just as was the case in the Garden of Eden. They base this on the prophecy of Isaiah that in that future ideal time that Jews yearn for, “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, … the lion shall eat straw like the ox, … and no one shall hurt nor destroy in all of God’s holy mountain.” (Isaiah 11: 6 In view of the above considerations, Jews who wish to live lives consistent with Torah teachings should sharply reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products. Such a dietary shift would help revitalize Judaism by showing the relevance of eternal Jewish teachings to current issues, improve the health of Jews, and shift our precious but imperiled planet to a sustainable path. 2. A Dialogue on Shavuot Night About Vegetarianism For many years Danny Shapiro looked forward to staying up all night at his synagogue with his friends on the first night of Shavuot, hearing talks about and discussing Torah teachings. This year he especially anticipated this annual commemoration of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, because Rabbi Greenberg would

Summary of my efforts to help revitalise Judaism and heal the world

May 1, 2018 No Comments

Below is a summary of my writings and activities that aim to revitalise judaism and help shift our imperiled planet onto a sustainable path.They are based on my strong belief that Jewish values can make major differences and are needed perhaps more than ever before. I welcome your comments and suggestions and would be very happy if you would join in my efforts and/or suggest others who might be interested in doing so. The second edition of my book, “Judaism and Global Survival,” can be freely read at www.jewishVeg.org/schwartz. It discusses how Jewish teachings on compassion, justice, peace, environmental sustainability, reducing hunger, conserving natural resources, and much more can be applied to improve the world. My most recent book, “Who Stole My Religion? Revitalising Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperilled Planet,” reinforces and extends the arguments in the aforementioned book and argues that Jews should play leading roles in efforts to avert a climate catastrophe and other potential environmental disasters. The entire book can be freely read at http://jewcology.org/2017/02/the-complete-text-of-my-latest-book-who-stole-my-religion-revitalising-judaism-and-applying-jewish-values-to-help-heal-our-imperilled-planetplease-share/ The third edition of my book, “judaism and Vegetarianism,” can be freely read at www.JewishVeg.org/schwartz. It argues that vegetarianism and veganism are the diets most consistent with basic Jewish teachings on health, compassion, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, reducing hunger, and other issues. I have over 250 articles on the aforementioned issues at www.JewishVeg.org/schwartz. I am the Associate Producer, helping multi-award-winning producer Lionel Friedberg, in producing the acclaimed, award-winning, one-hour documentary, “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World.” It dramatically reinforces the ideas in my books. It can be freely viewed on You Tube or by visiting www.ASacredDuty.com, where you can also read reviews, blurbs, and information about the video. Living in Israel for almost two years now, I have been active in trying to increase awareness of the aforementioned issues and values. I have averaged at least one letter a month in the Jerusalem Post and several articles including the following: a. “Climate Change: An Existential Threat to Israel, the US, and the World,” can be read at: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Climate-change-An-existential-threat-to-Israel-the-US-and-the-world-489556 b. “Why Israel Should Not Be Extolling President Trump” can be read at:http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Why-Israel-should-not-be-extolling-President-Trump-533541 c. “In Defense of Jewish Liberals” can be read at https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/In-defense-of-Jewish-liberals-549421 I often speak at the Protea Hills retirement village where my wife and I live in the Shoresh area of Israel. In May I am scheduled to speak on “ Torah Teachings that Can Transform the World” and on “The Prophets: The Most Disturbing People in History.” I am also scheduled to facilitate a discussion at an “Interfaith Climate Change and Renewable Energy Conference” in Jerusalem on May 9. This is just the beginning of strategy considerations so please let me know of suggestions you have about my materials above and how we might work together in applying Jewish values toward a more just, peaceful, compassionate, environmentally sustainable world. I can be contacted at . Remember: there is no Planet B. The world we are trying to save is the only one we have. Many thanks and ALL the best.

Questions That Can be Discussed at Tu Bishvat Seders and Suggested Answers

January 23, 2018 No Comments

by Richard Schwartz ~ It is hoped that the questions below will be helpful to people leading Tu Bishvat seders as a way to increase audience participation. Suggested responses are given following the questions. Suggestions for additional questions & answers are welcome. 1. What is the origin of Tu Bishvat? 2. Where is Tu Bishvat mentioned in the Tanach? 3. Why are we considering trees, fruits, and nature in the middle of the winter? 4. Why was the 15th of Shvat singled out for special consideration? 5. What was the dispute between Hillel and Shammai about the date of Tu Bishvat? 6. What were the contributions of the kabbalists of S’fat to Tu Bishvat? 7. What are 4 tikkuns associated with Tu Bishvat? 8. Why are 4 cups of wine or grape juice drunk at the Tu Bishvat seder? 9. What is the significance of the changing colors of the successive cups of wine or grape juice? 10. What are the similarities and differences between the Tu Bishvat Seder and the Pesach Seder? 11. What is the significance of the brachot recited at the Tu Bishvat seder? 12. What are ten benefits that we get from trees? 13. What Jewish names are associated with trees? 14. How is Tu Bishvat celebrated in Israel today? 15. What is the purpose of reciting brachot (blessings)? 16. What readings are associated with trees in the Torah, prophets, Talmud, and other Jewish writings throughout history? 17. why is Tu Bishvat becoming more popular today? 18. How are people like “a tree in the field?” 19. What are the four kabbalistic worlds? 20. Which fruits are associated with these 4 kabbalistic worlds? 21. In what order should fruits be eaten? 22. What metaphors compare Jews to trees and fruits? 23. What are vegetarian connections to Tu Bishvat? 24. Why do some consider Tu Bishvat a Jewish Earth Day? 25. Why do some Jews Try to make Tu Bishvat into an “Environmental Shabbat” when the holiday occur on Shabbat? 26. What are some environmental threats facing Israel? 27. How serious are global warming and other current environmental threats? 28. How should individual Jews and synagogues respond to current environmental threats? 29. What important environmental law is related to trees in wartime? 30. How do modern environmental “plagues” compare to the Biblical 10 plagues? ===================================================== Responses to the Questions 1. What is the origin of Tu Bishvat? Tu Bishvat is first mentioned in the Mishneh (Rosh Hashanah 1:1) as a cut- off date for the tithing of fruits for the Temple priests and for the poor. 2. Where is Tu Bishvat mentioned in the Tanach? It is not mentioned there at all. It is first mentioned in the Mishneh as mentioned above. 3. Why are we considering trees, fruits, and nature in the middle of the winter? The kabbalists of Sefat restored the holiday in the 16th century after it had lost its usefulness in 70 CE when the Temple was destroyed and they emphasized the eating of many fruits, especially those from the seven species mentioned in Deuteronomy and other fruits mentioned in the Hebrew scriptures and/or common to Israel. 4. Why was the 15th of Shvat singled out for special consideration? This is the date when in Israel generally the heavy rain has ended, the ground is starting to warm up, the sap is starting to flow in trees, and the almond trees are starting to bud. 5. What was the dispute between Hillel and Shammai re the date of Tu Bishvat? Shammai, who lived in a different part of Israel, thought the New Year for trees should be on Rosh Chodesh Shvat. Hillel, whose view prevailed as usual, thought it should be on the 15th of Shvat. 6. What were the contributions of the kabbalists of S’fat to Tu Bishvat? They restored the holiday after the Temple was destroyed and set up the Tu Bishvat seder. 7. What are 4 tikkuns associated with Tu Bishvat? 1) Biblical times: tikkun for poverty 2) Kabbalists: tikkun for eating the forbidden fruit 3) Israelis: tikkun for destruction of the land 4) Environmentalists: tikkun for environmental destruction ( a modern Earth Day) 8. Why are 4 cups of wine or grape juice drunk at the Tu Bishvat seder? This is modelled after the Passover seder. 9. What is the significance of the changing colors of the successive cups of wine or grape juice? They represent the changing seasons from winter to spring. 10. What are the similarities and differences between the Tu Bishvat seder and the Pesach seder? Both have 4 cups of wine or grape juice, but on Tu Bishvat they are of different colours. Also, Passover focuses on the redemption of the Israelis from slavery while Tu Bishvat focuses on the eating of foods, blessings, and nature. 11. What is the significance of the brachot recited at the Tu Bishvat seder? The kabbalists thought they are of great significance, showing our gratitude to God. They tried to have as many brachot as possible. 12. What are ten benefits that we get from trees? 1) shade 2) wood 3) birds habitat 4) beauty 5) prevents flooding 6) fruit 7) absorbs CO2 8) Shach covering for Sukkah roofs 9) prevents erosion 10) emits oxygen 13. What Jewish names are associated with trees? Baum, Applebaum, Nissenboim, Titelbaum, Goldbaum, and others 14. How is Tu Bishvat celebrated in Israel today? Planting of trees 15. What is the purpose of reciting brachot? Making us aware of what we are about to do; express appreciation to Hashem. 16. What readings are associated with trees in the Torah, nevi’im, Talmud, and other Jewish writings throughout history? 1) bal tashchit; 2) first dietary regimen; (Genesis 1:29) 3) Elim – 12 streams and 70 palm trees Many more 17. why is Tu Bishvat becoming more popular today? The holiday involves Israel, nature, Hashem, fruits, brachot, the environment, and more. Many Jews concerned about the environment are making it a ‘Jewish Earth Day.’ 18. How can a person be like “a

Please Consider Organising a Tu B’Shvat Seder or Encouraging Others to Do So

January 7, 2018 No Comments

by Richard Schwartz ~Tu B’Shvat, the 15th day in the Hebrew month of Shvat, the ‘New Year for Trees, January 30-31 in 2018, has been increasingly popular, with more and more Tu B’Shvat Seders held annually, especially in Israel. It is important that vegetarian and vegan Jews organize such Seders, encourage rabbis and other Jewish leaders to conduct them, and/or attend Seders that are scheduled by others. Here are several reasons why: Tu B’Shvat is a completely vegetarian, actually vegan, holiday, featuring mainly fruits, along with other vegan foods. So, Tu B’Shvat Seders provide great opportunities to increase awareness of the strong case for vegetarianism and veganism, based on Jewish teachings. I have many articles on why Jews should be vegetarians, and preferably vegans, as well as the complete text of the third edition of my book, “Judaism and Vegetarianism,” at www.JewishVeg.org/schwartz . Tu B’Shvat has been becoming a ‘Jewish Earth Day,’ with many teachings related to nature and Israel’s environment. Increasing awareness of Judaism’s powerful environmental teachings is especially important now, with increasing evidence that the world is nearing an irreversible tipping point when climate change will spin out of control, with devastating consequences.* In addition to its connections to vegetarianism, veganism and environmental sustainability, Tu B’Shvat has connections to Israel, nature, brachot (blessings), tikkun (repair), mysticism, and other issues. Hence it can attract a wide variety of Jews, including many who are generally not actively involved in Jewish life. As Tu B’Shvat becomes more popular, it increases chances of restoring another ancient Jewish New Year, the New Year for the Tithing of Animals for sacrifices, and transforming it to a day dedicated to increasing awareness of Judaism’s powerful teachings on compassion to animals and how far current treatment of animals is from these teachings. at www.JewishVeg.org/schwartz . Tu B’Shvat can be a very fun experience with some very interesting customs. I always promote Tu B’Shvat Seders that I organise and conduct by telling potential attendees that they will have a good time because there will be many nuts at the Seder. 🙂 *My Jerusalem Post article, “Climate Change: An Existential Threat to Israel, the US, and the World,” can be read at: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Climate-change-An-existential-threat-to-Israel-the-US-and-the-world-489556 .

Update on the Major Effort to Restore and Transform the Ancient New Year for Animals

August 13, 2017 No Comments

In an effort to restore the ancient New Year for Animals and to transform it into a day devoted to increasing awareness of Judaism’s teachings on compassion to animals and how far current realities are from these teachings, the message below has been sent to many rabbis and other influential Jews. please help by sharing the message widely. Many thanks. ———– Dear Rabbi, Please let us know if you are willing to sign the message below that encourages the restoration of the ancient New Year for Animals and its transformation into a day devoted to increasing awareness of Judaism’s beautiful teachings on compassion to animals and how these teachings can be applied to reduce current abuses of animals. We also encourage you to submit a brief statement as to why you think restoring the holiday is important. Some previous statements of support are below. By signing the statement and possibly adding a brief message of support you would be adding to a kiddush Hashem that would show the relevance of Judaism’s ancient teachings, thus improving the image of Judaism and thereby helping bring some alienated Jews closer to Judaism, and would also help shift our imperilled planet onto a more compassionate, just, and environmentally sustainable path. Thanks for your consideration. Kol tuv, Richard H. Schwartz, Professor emeritus, College of Staten Island, and president emeritus, Jewish Veg Aharon Varady, Founding director of the Open Siddur Project ——————- Here is the statement that we recommend that you indicate your support for. If you do, please add your affiliation, such as the name of a synagogue, yeshiva, or other organization that you are involved with. The ancient Rosh Hashanah L’Ma’asar Behemah coincides with Rosh Ḥodesh Elul (occuring this year on August 22-23) and the onset of Elul Zman (the period of introspection and relationship repair also called Ḥeshbon Ha-Nefesh). On it, Jewish shepherds once tithed their flocks by marking them in a shed as they passed under their staff. On Rosh Hashanah, “all the world passes before Hashem like sheep, as it says, ‘He that fashions the hearts of them all, that considers all their doings’ (Psalms 33:15)” (Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1-2). The day marks the birth of animals conceived in the spring and born before Elul (Michnah Bechorot 9). We, the undersigned, recognize that the New Year’s Day for Domesticated Animals (behemot) is a fortuitious day for the Jewish people to concern themselves with the animals they rely upon for their lifestyle and diet (our “flock”). Exactly one month prior to our praying for our Shepherd, the Nefesh Kol Ḥai (Spirit of all life), to look after our continuity, welfare, and livelihood, as the blessed Holy One’s “flock” on Rosh Hashanah, we should act to prove we have taken responsibility for our own ‘flock.’ The day on which the shofar, the horn of a behemah, is first blown signaling the countdown to Rosh Hashanah, is a day for taking responsibility and repairing our relationships with our friends, family, and business partners. It begins by challenging us to consider our relationship with the animals we rely upon, personally, in our families, communities, in our society and in our economy — creatures that lack the voice to advocate for their own welfare. Before Rosh Hashanah it is incumbent upon us to align our relationships with those Torah values implicit in the mitsvah of tsa’ar ba’alei ḥayyim (sensitivity to the suffering of all living creatures). We recognize the holiness inherent in all living creatures and especially our domesticated animals (behemot), a holiness implicit in the use of certain kosher animals for sacrificial offerings, and non-kosher animals for other mitsvot such as the pidyon haḥamor. The Torah quoted in the Shabbat Day kiddush recognizes that our animals are indeed part and parcel of our own community (Exodus 20:8-11). Furthermore, ḥayot (wild animals) depend upon spacious habitat and healthy ecosystems for deriving their own livelihoods. Never since the depraved Dor HaMabul (the Generation of the Flood), has the continued existence of our world’s ḥayot come to depend so much on the decisions of human beings, locally, regionally, and globally. As Midrash Tanḥuma (Noaḥ 6) expresses: Just as the blessed Holy One’s compassion is on human beings, so to it is on animals as it is written “God’s compassion is upon all God’s work” (Psalms 145:9). We recognize the need for increased attention in developing the virtue of compassion in the Jewish people which is implicit in the mitsvah of tsa’ar ba’alei ḥayyim (Maimonides 3:48, Nachmanides on Lev. 22:27-28 and Deut. 22:6-7, Sefer HaChinukh §545 and 596, et al). The domesticated animals created on the 6th day remain sacred even after the Temple’s destruction. Their lives are intertwined with our own as we rely upon them for our lifestyle and diet, while they depend entirely upon our attention to ensure that their quality of life and welfare is guaranteed. Therefore, we begin our period of Ḥeshbon Ha-Nefesh with the Rosh Hashanah LaBehemot, a day for reflecting on our relationship with the many animals we directly and indirectly rely upon in our lives, and as a day to commit to improving and healing our relationship with them before Rosh Hashanah on Rosh Ḥodesh Tishrei. Besides creating a great tikkun (healing), we believe that reviving this day would help to prove the relevance of the Torah’s teaching in every generation, showing own people that our Torah is a Torat Ḥesed, and bringing many compassionate yet alienated Jews lacking knowledge of the mitsvah of tsa’ar ba’alei ḥayyim back into our community. ————— Thanks to Aharon Varady for drafting the above statement. More information about the restoration and transformation of the ancient holiday can be found in the Wikipedia Encyclopaedia at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah_LaBehemot Additional background information is at: http://opensiddur.org/new-years-day/for-domesticated-animals/ http://hazon.org/jewish-food-movement/holidays/new-year-animals/ —————- Below are the lists of signers arranged alphabetically [we are at the VERY BEGINNING of gathering signers, so we expect this list to grow substantially.] Rabbi Yonatan Neril, Founder and director of the Interfaith Centre for Sustainable Development ————————- Below is a sampling of

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